Chapter 1 The Decaying Fortress

In the starry sky, the enormous Zhi Gu planetary fortress's outer steel structure began to crumble, then disintegrate. Sporadic explosions continuously erupted from the collapsing sections. As the outer layers broke apart, the Hongji Empire's main star gradually became exposed, revealing severely polluted internal soil and a planet in utter ruin.

Although it was a standard habitable planet, its ecological balance had long collapsed, and the environment was extremely harsh, unsuitable for survival.

This was likely a major reason why the Hongji Empire was able to make the resolute decision to transform its main star.

Inside the Heiyao's command room observation deck, Li Ruiqi, Siped, and Ougulas quietly watched the disintegrating planetary fortress. They observed the rescue ships and mechs flying out, rapidly returning.

Their expressions were calm, without any joy. Just a short time ago, they had received concise information from Kalinsa, giving them a general understanding of what had happened.

Of course, the specific details would require further questioning and the uploading of mission logs from those who participated.

Ougulas said with regret, "What a pity, this planetary fortress is disintegrating, leaving only the planet itself. This significantly reduces its value. You know, what we need most are these advanced weapons. Aren't these big guys the key factors that will determine victory on future battlefields?"

"Nothing is perfect," Li Ruiqi said after a moment of thought. "But fortunately, even if the outer layers have disintegrated, we should still be able to salvage some materials and equipment."

Siped said calmly, "Don't have too high expectations. According to the brief information sent back by Kalinsa, it can be basically confirmed that the Hongji Empire was exhausted in its final battles. Their domestic resources were already nearly depleted, coupled with continuous combat and the collapse of the planetary fortress's outer layers. While the returns will be decent, they won't be great. After all, what we urgently need are advanced weapons and corresponding rare materials, as well as related technologies. As for low-grade materials, they aren't very meaningful to me, only suitable as foundation stones, and we can't even take them away."

"That makes sense, but I heard that many Hongji Empire survivors are immigrating here, and they've also recovered their nation's artificial intelligence. The technology shouldn't disappoint us too much, right?"

Ougulas hit the nail on the head.

Siped thought for a second and said, "We'll contact them and discuss the conditions for acceptance once things stabilize."

At this moment, Li Ruiqi coughed and said, "Council Chairman Long Ming instructed that if we encounter declining civilization members, and confirm that they aren't too aggressive and are relatively orderly, he suggests treating them kindly. This will also establish a good reputation, making it easier for us to continuously absorb the orphans of other civilizations in the future, thereby becoming stronger."

Ougulas and Siped exchanged glances and nodded slightly.

"We understand."

They were both smart and naturally understood Long Ming's meaning. A full meal once in a while is different from a full meal every time, and since they're taking in the people, are they afraid of not getting what they want?

"Thank you very much for your understanding, Vice Council Chairmen. You've both worked hard during this time, so why not go back and rest early. Leave the rest to me. After the planetary fortress's outer layers have completely disintegrated, I'll arrange the corresponding tasks."

Li Ruiqi replied respectfully.

"Alright, then we'll leave it to you."

...

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Heiyao G District Isolation Zone.

Su Mo was taken to the isolation zone by the medical staff as soon as he returned.

He was lying on a hospital bed.

A group of GT department doctors surrounded him, beginning a full-body examination.

The leading old doctor apologized to Su Mo, "Officer Su Mo, because you just returned from the outer regions, for safety reasons, we need to perform a full-body examination to confirm whether you've been infected with negative energy viruses before we can provide you with systematic treatment. Of course, rest assured, we've taken a quick look. Your injuries are quite serious, but not life-threatening. Please understand."

"Understood."

Su Mo replied cooperatively. He knew that resisting was useless. This was the most basic principle, and everyone had to follow it.

Subsequently, Su Mo was pushed into a giant testing instrument for an all-around, no-blind-spot scan.

Although Su Mo had confidence in the Pseudo Creator Devourer, he was still a little nervous.

Fortunately, everything went smoothly in the end. He successfully completed the full-body examination, and all the data showed that everything was normal.

The leading old doctor said to Su Mo, "Thank you very much for your cooperation. Next, we will send you to a specialized ward where you will receive treatment and be quarantined."

"Thank you."

Su Mo nodded in response.

...

Not long after, Su Mo was pushed into a clean and spacious ward, but this ward didn't seem to be a single-person ward.

Soon after, Wittke was also pushed in, his head bandaged. He greeted Su Mo enthusiastically when he saw him.

"Brother Su Mo!"

"Officer Wittke?"

Su Mo was also a little surprised, not expecting to be assigned to the same ward as him.

"What 'Officer,' that's too formal. After the assessment period, you'll be promoted to a substitute member anyway. We'll be comrades then, just call me Lao Wei."

Wittke replied very enthusiastically. After this mission, he was completely impressed by Su Mo's combat abilities. He even admired him a little, so he was eager to get close to Su Mo.

"Uh, okay, uh, Wittke, where are you from?"

Su Mo chatted awkwardly with Wittke. Since the other party was so enthusiastic, he couldn't be too cold, so he thought about finding a topic to talk about.

"I'm from the M country!"

"Oh, I haven't seen you in the Star Ring World."

"Of course you haven't seen me. I wasn't responsible for the strategic operations at Prayer Dragon City. I was mainly responsible for the exploitation of the Golden Point. But I've heard of your name. You were quite famous there back then, especially when you snatched that little chick Amaya's III generation mech, Slaughter Blade, and beat up her fiancé, Geji'er. It spread like wildfire over there."

"You know them?"

Su Mo asked curiously.

"How could I not know them? We're all from the same country."

Wittke said with a dumb smile.

"That's right, but I haven't heard of them recently."

Su Mo thought for a moment and said.

"It's normal if you haven't heard of them. Although Amaya and Geji'er are both generals, their nature is a bit different from mine. They come from oligarchs and ultimately have to be loyal to their families. So they mostly serve their own families, so they haven't joined the GT department. You won't see them in normal operations, but that doesn't mean they aren't active."

Wittke said after thinking for a moment.